This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Farm borrowing statistics
30/07/2004
Farm borrowing statistics were published today, based on information collected from banks and mortgage companies operating in Scotland.
After allowing for the effects of inflation, the underlying decrease in bank lending to Scottish farmers was 4.0 per cent (1.3 per cent decrease in nominal terms) between end May 2003 and end May 2004.
At the end of May 2004 advances to the Scottish agricultural industry were estimated to be £1,283 million. This is a decrease of £17 million on the 2003 figure.
The figures include advances to agricultural contractors and livestock salesmen. However, advances to farmers account for 96.4 per cent of the total. Some 86.8 per cent of the advances to agriculture are to owner occupiers.
National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.